Slitherine

I have seen the Syracusans unable to hire them. They are mentioned a half dozen times in the manual - but otherwise a secretive bunch. Can we fill in the facts? Or speculate. (Searched the forum first for mercenar but no joy.)

everyone but Carthage needs to build a mercenary centre building in a region/province. Carthage has this restriction lifted - and gets access to a greater range

alternative is to take the mercenary army decision - this is a bit hit and miss but gives you an army in your capital drawn from the force pool of the states around you

costs etc are in the unit tool tip

I love mercs especially as a hellene nation (excluding sparta maybe). The mercenary infantry has 4 attack in all terrain (as opposed to 3 for regular infantry) so is great for attacking rough/assault/forest terrain and costs no manpower which is a huge benefit especially early game. Best is that they are really not that much more expensive gold-wise especially if you are utilising the trading system properly.